Canadian Tire Specials (Code Scanner worth it?)

[babzog]

They've got (of interest to me - there's lots in the flyer):

- Innova 3100 OBD-II code scanner for half price ($100) (this Sat and Sun only)
- Mastercraft Maximum 32pc Metric and SAE wrench set at half price ($60) with two bonus 7pc sets of Metric and SAE stubbies thrown in. Lifetime warranty.

I've got various wrenches of various makes (craftsman, mastercraft, snapon, huskey, etc) in various toolboxes, but only one small cohesive set of SAE. For me, this one strikes me as a pretty good deal that should be coming home with me soon... thought other Canucks might be interested.

I'm more curious about the code scanner. If I interpret "the winds" correctly, CAN is replacing the OBD-II protocol in newer cars and so this tool will be mostly used for older cars. Being that mine is an '02 Civic, it would certainly work for it, but maybe not in my wife's Sienna.

Now. my BIL has a scanner at his shop (and I think it's the same one). So, I'm curious if, for the DIYer, this is a tool worth owning at this price, or is simply borrowing the reader (or having him check the codes) is a wiser option? I've had use for a scanner in the past but not very often (last time, I was quoted $110 at the dealership to have the problem diagnosed because they "can't just read the code" - which essentially pays for the tool right there).

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Damn! If a 3100 is $100 i feel to get one myself!

 

[billymade]

Looks like other places have it for a similar price as well..
http://www.google.com/products?clie...roduct_result_group&ct=title&resnum=571648737

 

[Da Bull]

Picked one up this morning.There was a $10.00 off coupon in the flyer, so I got it for $89.99 instead of $99.99

 

[Da Bull]

Works great! Installed the batteries, and plugged into my car, 15 seconds later, there were the codes.

 

[Mystique_96]

Check out this scanner as an alternative:

 

[babzog]

When I arrived at my local CT Boutique, they had none of the scanners left.

The parts guy indicated that another store (local-ish) had a few of the scanners left so I was preparing to head over there). I popped into the local building supply joint to pick up Peggy(board) and her cousin Mel(amine) and ran into the BIL. I asked him about the scanner and his answer was "Don't bother - for the once or so a year you need it, just borrow mine." He owns a motosports shop so I have every reason to trust his advice.

Thanks for the link bizioto - that does look to be a much more versatile tool seeing as how it can also handle the new cars (one of the "ehhh" factors I had been considering). I was also looking into some of the laptop integrated scan tool device/program kits.. seems like some of them offer some interesting features as well.

I did end up picking up a couple of the other items I was after though:

Driver bit set (70% off, got it for $7.50):

And the 32pc metric and sae wrench set with bonus metric and sae stubbies. Half price ($60), Lifetime warranty:

 

[Fedwrench]

At $100 or less the Innova is a good buy. It won't let you access everything but, it's pretty good for letting someone know why their check engine light is on. Those aren't bad looking wrenches for $60. I am unfamiliar with the brand being a looong way from Canada. Are they Taiwan or PRC made?

 

[niss]

Got those wrenches, and love em, I thought they were Stanley re branded, just like the Mastercraft Maximum sockets & ratchets.

 

[Canadian Charlie]

I would die for one of them scanners, do they still give out Canadian Tire money?

 

[rhandwor]

http://www.levineautoparts.com/ Search 3170 does a lot more for a little extra.

 

[babzog]

The packaging just says "Imported by" so the (Asian) country of origin is unknown. Probably one of the two usual suspects though. I'm impressed with the quality of them.. finish is nice, everything seems properly cut and centered. Seems their hand tools are quite good (it's been my experience that they seem about on par with Craftsman - pretty good for what you spend).

Yes, CT Money is still given out... I got the extra $10 worth when I picked these up last Sat (one day deal for purchases over $60).

I was torn over the scanner ... I just hate passing up a deal but there are more important tools I'd like to pick up first. 'Sides, who am I to argue with the choices offered up by the tool gods?

 

[superautobacs]

Those wrenches are probably coming from a Stanley factory in Taiwan.
Their ratcheing wrenches are, IIRC, Danaher Taiwan.

The wrench sets are a pretty good deal for the price and they offer them in long lengths. I can't say that it reflects all their wrenchs, but of the one's that I have, even the Maximum/Professional line, are not manufactured with close tolerances in mind.

EDIT: The set on the left side, I notice that a few of the smaller sizes have a bowed beam. Or is it just my eyes fooling with me?

 

[babzog]

Those wrenches are probably coming from a Stanley factory in Taiwan.
Their ratcheing wrenches are, IIRC, Danaher Taiwan.

The wrench sets are a pretty good deal for the price and they offer them in long lengths. I can't say that it reflects all their wrenchs, but of the one's that I have, even the Maximum/Professional line, are not manufactured with close tolerances in mind.

EDIT: The set on the left side, I notice that a few of the smaller sizes have a bowed beam. Or is it just my eyes fooling with me?

Interesting bit about the origin of the set, thanks for that. Do you think the Stanley name is still as good as it used to be?

I don't pretend for a moment that these are professional quality tools, but I think they'll be up to handling the few tasks I know how to do. For anything heavier or requires more precision, I have a few of other brands (Snapon, Huskey, etc) that were gifted to me so that kinda rounds out my set.

You're right, and I hadn't seen that until you pointed it out! I checked them over when I got home and indeed, two of them are bowed! I'll pop into CT and get them exchanged. Thanks for your good eye and pointing that out!

 

[superautobacs]

Looks like my eyes were not fooled.... and you're right, you can easily walk into any CT and easily have them exchanged.

I associate the Stanley name with a bit of stigma. They are a tool giant, a conglomerate, that has swallowed up other well established tool makers over the last couple decades. Not only did they tarnish those names, the the quality in the tools also took a tumble. Even their own Stanley brand has lost it's heritage along the way. They just want to make lots of money with the easiest and cheapest way.